North Dakota, August 1, 2024 — The North Dakota Wildlife Federation (NDWF) is thrilled to announce that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is expanding public access to hunting and fishing on twelve national wildlife refuges, including four national wildlife refuges in North Dakota. This move is part of the USFWS’s commitment to increasing access to America's treasured public lands and waters.
“We celebrate this significant step forward in enhancing public access to our national wildlife refuges,” said NDWF Executive Director, John Bradley. “Expanding elk hunting opportunities on these refuges supports our public access goals while strengthening North Dakota’s rich outdoor heritage. It’s a win-win-win for elk hunters, conservation, and local economies.”
The new opportunities will introduce or expand hunting and fishing on approximately 211,000 acres nationwide within the National Wildlife Refuge System. In North Dakota, we are excited to see the expansion of hunting opportunities for elk, which is crucial for conservation and sportsmen’s access .
“National wildlife refuges are unique in the amount of wildlife habitat and access to the outdoors they provide to urban communities and rural communities that may lack access to other public or recreational outdoor lands. This expansion will provide access and opportunities to more hunters and anglers while keeping the needs of wildlife and fish at each refuge at the forefront,” said Mike Leahy, senior director of wildlife, hunting and fishing policy at the National Wildlife Federation. “These new opportunities not only provide additional access but will require the use of non-toxic ammunition and fishing tackle, ensuring the health of wildlife for generations to come. We welcome the expansion of experiences like these that allow people to engage with wildlife and the natural world, and contribute to the conservation and funding of both.”
North Dakota Highlights of the Expansion:
Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge: Open elk hunting on 14,145 acres, and require non-lead ammunition for elk hunting.
J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge: Open elk hunting on 58,939 acres, and require non-lead ammunition for elk hunting.
Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge: Open elk hunting on 27,331 acres, and require non-lead ammunition for elk hunting.
Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge: Open elk hunting on 32,026 acres, and require non-lead ammunition for elk hunting.
Public Engagement and Feedback
The USFWS is seeking public comments on the proposed rulemaking through August 31, 2024. The proposed rule details can be accessed at http://www.regulations.gov, Docket Number: FWS-HQ-NWRS-2024-0034. The NDWF encourages all interested parties to review the proposals and provide feedback to help shape the future of hunting and fishing on our national refuges.